Health Corner

It’s that time of year again! Trips, fun in the sun, BBQs, and back to school vaccines! YES, I said it, it’s time to prepare now for your children’s back to school vaccines. Vaccines may not be the main thing you think about as summer days pass by, but they could be the thing to delay your child’s entry to school in a few months. That is the last thing you want to be worried about as you are shopping for school supplies and new sneakers!

Not every child needs vaccines for every school year. If you have school aged children, familiarize yourself with the CDC’s vaccine schedule which Maryland public and private schools use as the guideline for vaccine requirements for students. The key times that children are ready for some vaccine catch up is prior to entering pre-k or Kindergarten and as they enter the 7th grade. This can also be looked at as ages 4-6 and ages 11-13.

As many children enter school for the first time they are filled with excitement and some fears about classes, friends, and trends. Parents are concerned for their children’s grades, interests and health. To help keep your students as healthy as possible, making sure their vaccines are up to date is key.

For the youngest students entering school, your children in pre-k and kindergarten, it is time for them to finally wrap up some of the routine vaccine series. These include their 5th and final dose of DTaP. This protects them from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. They will receive their 4th and final dose of the inactivated polio vaccine. To round out this vaccine visit, they will complete the 2 dose series of MMR which builds defense against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella as well as their final dose of Varicella also known as “chicken pox”. This may sound like a lot, but many providers are able to provide these vaccines in “combination vaccines”, which means fewer pokes for your little ones!

The big kids have it easy this time! Just 2 vaccines for your new 7th graders! They will get their first dose of Meningococcal ACWY which defends against 4 serogroups of Meningitis. A booster can be given at 16 years old as well. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that can occur in the brain lining and spinal cord which can cause death or serious permanent disabilities. Children in this age group will also receive their first Tdap. This is just a slightly different formulation than the DTaP they had received as younger children.

As you and your children enjoy sizzling summer days in the sun, don’t forget how fast time flies. Call and make their appointment now with their pediatrician to catch up on vaccines and school physicals before the end of summer rush. Keep an eye out for Back to School vaccine clinics as well which can be utilized if your regular pediatrician has a packed schedule already. Enjoy your summer! Stay safe and be kind!